Foot volumetry can predict recurrent ulceration after subfascial ligation of perforators and saphenous ligation.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether foot volumetry is of value in predicting the outcome after superficial venous surgery for chronic venous ulceration.

METHODS

Fifty-three patients who underwent subfascial ligation of perforating veins with or without saphenous vein ligation for recurrent venous ulceration had foot volumetry performed before operation, immediately after operation (1 month), and at regular intervals during follow-up (median 60, range 3 to 144 months).

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (26%) had recurrent ulceration (median time to recurrence 48, range 10 to 72 months) and 39 patients remained ulcer free. Before operation expulsion fraction (EF) and half refilling time (HRT) were significantly higher in the no recurrence group. Both groups gained improvement in EF and HRT from their surgery; however, although this was sustained in the no recurrence group, by the time of first recurrence in the recurrence group, EF and HRT had returned to preoperative levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative foot volumetry can therefore predict failure after subfascial perforator and saphenous vein ligation, probably by identifying patients with deep venous incompetence. After operation deterioration in foot volumetry and can also be used to predict the onset of recurrent ulceration.